Madri Excepcional Beer Review - European at Heart
What makes a beer European? The refreshing light taste that one associates with the warmth of the beating summer sun as it claims the entire table space in the beer gardens? Well if you associate European beer with the summer season then yes. But of course, as we all know, the country of brewing ultimately decides the nationality of the golden nectar. A relatively new beverage on the block aims to challenge that notion with its impressive marketing and eager stubbornness to be one of the top household names in beer; enter Madrí Excepcional!
The Soul of Madrid.
Seemingly appearing out of nowhere back in 2022, Madrí took the UK by storm, making appearances in what felt like every pub in the country! ‘The traditional way of pronouncing Madrid’ according to the beers official website, one would be most surprised to find out that Madrí Excepcional is actually not from Madrid at all but rather brewed here on home turf by none other than Molson Coors (multiple breweries are located around the country) the brewers of fan favourites such as Coors Light, Carling, and the zesty Blue Moon.
Credit where credit is due, the beer is a collaborative effort with Spanish brewers La Sagra Brewery, founded by Carlos Garcia back in 2011. New to the game, La Sagra has a unique place in the brewing landscape lacking what other breweries have, a wealthy brewing history and a beer family tree. They did not let that stop them though and are now proudly innovating their way through their Madrí journey and inspiring others along the way. Everyone has to start somewhere and Madrí Excepcional is leading by example.
Taste: Has it Got Soul?
The beverage’s common brown bottle is made prominent with its red labels that evoke thoughts of the great Spanish beer Estrella Damm, though here the addition of the ‘Chulapo’ creates what is arguably a more memorable image than Barcelona’s finest brew. ‘Chulapos’ represent the people of modern Madrid and it was their progressive attitudes that brought about the inception of Madrí, being famous for their lively wardrobe and pride for their communities. Simply put, they are ‘The Soul of Madrid.’
Sitting in the glass, one has to admire Madrí’s honey-like colouring and perfectly pencil thin head that sticks around for a while after pouring, an early sign of the drink’s easy going nature. From the first sip it becomes evident that the beer is a light yet invigorating beverage, delivering a prominent malt taste with a light bready aftertaste making it the perfect choice for easy drinking.
Pairing: Madrí Soul Food
A simple and easy beer like Madrí Excepcional demands a simple and easy meal to go with it; bubbling cheese, a doughy under layer and a fiery deli meat topping can only be descriptives for one thing, Pepperoni pizza.
The dough base of pizza matches Madrí’s bready taste notes without drowning eachother out and the tang of the cheese is almost subdued with the crispness of the beer but it’s the lightness of Madrí that makes it the ideal companion to foods like pizza, chicken wings, or even burgers and fries. Finger foods are perfect for any beer but it seems that Madrí is begging to be brought together with them. After all, the beer's presence can be seen in most eating establishments.
There’s Soul in there, Somewhere.
There’s no denying Madrí took the country by storm and now rightfully holds its own amongst some of the biggest names in the beer world. Tasting can leave one feeling that Madrí is a simple beer without too many complexities to bring it down but rather aims for a place in the market as a beverage that is relaxed and
Perfect for those long summer day drinking sessions where no one at the table is trying locate tastes, aromas, or appearance but rather just want a refreshing beer to sip on.
Ultimately, Madrí’s self professed ‘Soul’ comes from its humble beginnings in the La Sagra Brewery over 10 years ago and their story and achievements should be an inspiration to any budding brewers out there with dreams to hit the big time. One thing is certain, Madrí Excepcional aims to be around forever and there seems to be no stopping it.
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Written by Billy Strickland, follow him @dontcallmewilliam or by clicking here.
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